Month: August 2009

THERMAL – It’s back to school day, but not for some students in the eastern Coachella Valley. “We don’t have a ride to school, that’s why we didn’t go to school today. We don’t have anybody to take us if the bus doesn’t pick us up,” says Sonia Orozco, a Desert Mirage High School student.

CATHEDRAL CITY – The California Highway Patrol asked for thepublic’s help today in finding the driver of a black BMW that caused rollover crash that injured a CHP officer. The crash happened on westbound Interstate 10 near Date Palm Drive in Cathedral City around 12:30 p.m. Friday, said CHP Officer Ramon Perez. The officer, who

By: Elyse Miller News Channel 3 Reporter emiller@kesq.com Missing for 18 years and finally a happy ending. The remarkable discovery of Jaycee Dugard stunned the country and baffled law enforcement, but for one valley resident, the safe return hit home. “I didn’t even have to hear her last name, I just heard Jaycee,” says Mary

PALM DESERT – A smoke advisory is in effect for parts of the San Bernardino and San Gabriel mountains, the Hemet San Jacinto area, and parts of Los Angeles County this Friday. This is all due the wildfires burning in the Southland. With Friday’s low air quality and high heat, some of our local schools

INDIO – Gina Garcia who pleaded guilty June 15 to a fatal hit-and-run that killed a pregnant teenager was not in court again. This is the second time in two weeks she did not appear to begin her 15-year prison sentence due to further complications from surgery she had done August 6. “If she needed

The Mega Millions lottery jackpot has now grown to $333 million for Friday night’s drawing. With thousands of tickets selling every second, millions of people across the country are now dreaming of striking it rich. So we decided to help you out with those dreams. The lump sum cash payout for Mega Millions is estimated

SACRAMENTO – At issue for lawmakers is the creation of a 16-member sentencing commission which would set new sentencing guidelines. Law enforcement opposes it because it could change what’s considered a felony. Democratic leaders removed that provision earlier this week. But Republican Assemblyman Brian Nestande says Democrats haven’t show them an updated bill. He’s worried

RIVERSIDE – Just days after resigning his post on the Riverside County Board of Supervisors due to health issues, Roy Wilson has died, board officials confirmed. On Friday, Wilson resigned his post on the board citing treatment for an undisclosed illness. Just yesterday, the board of supervisors said that they wanted the governor to appoint

MORONGO VALLEY – Education’s budget cuts are slicing into the safety of your children. About 23 percent of the nation’s school districts are eliminating bus routes, forcing students to walk to class. Some local parents fear the walking path to school isn’t safe. Gary Horn’s three young sons rely on the bus to get to

Roy Wilson will be remembered in the halls of power, and in the memories of those who walk in the shadow of his life’s work. Wilson secured the 200 acres off Cook Street to bring in the Cal State University campus in Palm Desert. When asked how important the campus was to her life, student

(KESQ) – Companies across the country are revaluating how they do business in these tough times. And one local business leader is sharing his secrets of success. “In some sense the recession is never going to end,” Stan Berenbaum said. “The way consumers think, the way they buy products and services, how they’re going to

LA QUINTA – Desert Sands Unified’s first day of school is on Monday. It comes at the heels of the district re-hiring 56 teachers and four counselors this week. The Sakemi family is bursting with exciting news. Not only are Brian and Rachelle expecting their first child in two weeks, but they both are getting

INDIO – A taxi cab driver was not hurt after a man he picked up for a fare pulled a gun on him and demanded cash and the cab from the driver, police said. The suspect was picked up at around 8 Tuesday morning near Miles Avenue and Monroe. The driver took the suspect to

The price of a higher education is going up, making it difficult on students and their parents. That’s why some students in the Valley are focusing on their skills instead of raising money. A local baseball training facility is helping students hit an educational home run. “Our goal is to get kids to the next

MORONGO VALLEY – George Nudson is a Morongo Valley man with a soft spot for horses. “I’ve had horses all my life. Since I was 12 years old I’ve been breaking horses,” says Nudson, who’s running a horse rescue called Save-A-Horse. For the last year, the 90 year old World War II vet and former

PALM SPRINGS – Fitness trainer Nickie Nicolas is used to pushing people’s limits. But on Wednesday night, Nickie gets a piece of her own medicine on national television as a contestant on “Wipeout.” The game show is based around an obstacle course. Contestants compete for a $50,000 prize. Nickie says she decided to do it

PALM DESERT– “When I saw him struggling with a crutch or even a walker…How long are you gonna do this? Are you gonna run again?” Staffers like Denys Arcuri knew Roy Wilson’s resignation was coming. But the timing of the announcement surprised many close to him, including the man he supports as his replacement, State

The battle over health care reform continues to be a hot topic. Monday, Senator Barbara Boxer, who lives here in the Valley part-time, met with Riverside County doctors. News Channel 3 talked to the Democrat about her goals for health care reform. Senator Boxer walks the halls of the Riverside County Regional Medical Center in

RIVERSIDE – Riverside County Supervisor Roy Wilson resigned because of what he described as “a sudden decline in my health and the need for treatment.” Wilson recommended that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger appoint Sen. John Benoit, R-Bermuda Dunes, to replace him. “My years as your supervisor have been wonderful years for me, both professionally and personally,”

LA QUINTA – It closed schools across the nation and brought fear to students and parents. “It’s kinda scary,” says parent Maria Flores. Now, our local schools are taking extra precautions against the swine flu. In the next two weeks, crews will clean all campuses. On the first day, students will get information packets about